1 - the holiday season. The sights, sounds and smells that mean Christmas. The shopping and baking that ends up as gift giving. The music that brings memories of Christmases past to the forefront. The lights on the houses and trees. The heightened sense of family that exists this time of year. Living in a state of celebration.
2 - The stirrings in the back of my head that New Year's is around the corner and it's time to start to evaluate the past year and make plans and goals for the next one.
3 - The blessing of life... each day.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Gratitude - Day 27
1 - interstates in good condition that take you where you want to visit and home again. The gas stations and convenience stores with their public bathrooms, cooler units stocked with Vitamin Water (XXX baby!!!), and the candy sections with bags of Swedish Fish (assorted, not just boring red).
2 - my copy of the Book of Mormon. Marked and cross-referenced, personalized and dates in the margins. So grateful to have it, to learn from it, to find knowledge, counsel and comfort in it.
3 - the May and November issues of the Ensign every year. Living prophets and apostles... for my times and my challenges.
2 - my copy of the Book of Mormon. Marked and cross-referenced, personalized and dates in the margins. So grateful to have it, to learn from it, to find knowledge, counsel and comfort in it.
3 - the May and November issues of the Ensign every year. Living prophets and apostles... for my times and my challenges.
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Gratitude - Day 26
1 - the freedoms I enjoy as a citizen of the United States
2 - the sacrifices of the Founding Fathers and their wives and children
3 - the rich history of my country
2 - the sacrifices of the Founding Fathers and their wives and children
3 - the rich history of my country
Friday, November 27, 2009
Gratitude - Day 25
1 - a second marriage that, despite its challenges, has been better suited to me than my first marriage was.
2 - in-laws who have loved me and mine as a part of their own. To be accepted as a daughter, a sister, and an aunt in such a group has been a blessing I did not anticipate as I signed divorce papers ten years ago with the thought I was shutting the door to marriage in my life story.
3 - Thanksgiving leftovers that taste as good in Boise as they would in The Ridge.
2 - in-laws who have loved me and mine as a part of their own. To be accepted as a daughter, a sister, and an aunt in such a group has been a blessing I did not anticipate as I signed divorce papers ten years ago with the thought I was shutting the door to marriage in my life story.
3 - Thanksgiving leftovers that taste as good in Boise as they would in The Ridge.
Thursday, November 26, 2009
My Conviction as a Mother of Children Growing into Their Own
A - is to not "guilt" my children into doing what I want above what they want when our life plans do not coincide.
B - is to not throw manipulative temper tantrums, pouting parties, or screaming scenes whose objectives are actually to cause the guilt mentioned in item A above.
C - is to honor their freedom of choice as regards their lives as much as I have honored and enforced my own throughout my life.
D - is to support the relationships they enter into with their own spouses and children as the primary relationships of their life.
E - is to earnestly be involved in private prayer for their lives and their futures.
F - is to actively involve myself only as invited in the living of their lives.
In tandem with the gift of His Son, the greatest gift our Father gave us was the power of agency -- to choose and direct our own lives. As an earthly parent, I should do the same. In fact, I believe it is what He expects of me.
I am grateful to be married to a man who feels the same.
B - is to not throw manipulative temper tantrums, pouting parties, or screaming scenes whose objectives are actually to cause the guilt mentioned in item A above.
C - is to honor their freedom of choice as regards their lives as much as I have honored and enforced my own throughout my life.
D - is to support the relationships they enter into with their own spouses and children as the primary relationships of their life.
E - is to earnestly be involved in private prayer for their lives and their futures.
F - is to actively involve myself only as invited in the living of their lives.
In tandem with the gift of His Son, the greatest gift our Father gave us was the power of agency -- to choose and direct our own lives. As an earthly parent, I should do the same. In fact, I believe it is what He expects of me.
I am grateful to be married to a man who feels the same.
Gratitude - Day 24
1 - Tanya - too much there for too many years to ever be able to explain to anyone else.
2 - Sue - showed up in the The Ridge, opened her mouth in a Sunday School class and had my instant respect. Since she believes in second chances, I got another friend for life.
3 - Tara & Byron - because it comes from who they are, not what they should do. A place to heal, suspended judgment and an ability to see and feel every individual's inherent worth.
2 - Sue - showed up in the The Ridge, opened her mouth in a Sunday School class and had my instant respect. Since she believes in second chances, I got another friend for life.
3 - Tara & Byron - because it comes from who they are, not what they should do. A place to heal, suspended judgment and an ability to see and feel every individual's inherent worth.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Gratitude - Day 23
1 - flaky pie crusts
2 - perfectly whipped mashed potatoes
3 - someone else cooking the turkey
2 - perfectly whipped mashed potatoes
3 - someone else cooking the turkey
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Gratitude - Day 22
1 - Gilbert Sloan. My high school choral director. I learned so much about the theory of music from him. He knew how to teach music. He knew how to train voices. We traveled to Denver to compete in a competition that included both high school and college choral groups. We won. We traveled to Hawaii to compete in another (we placed 2nd).
He had such a reputation for having well-trained and accomplished choirs and chorales that different civic, private and corporate groups from all over Southern California would call him to book us as their entertainment for their different parties, get-togethers and programs. Each year the month of December was sheer madness for us. We would do Christmas concerts all over SoCal, sometimes three or four in one week, traveling from San Diego to Downey to Riverside to Del Mar. I loved it.
He himself had studied at the New York Conservatory of Music. He sang with the San Diego Civic Opera. He could have done a lot of other things that likely would have paid a lot more, but he chose to teach vocal music to high school students. He taught us what was possible with music. One of his students, who graduated two years before I got to high school, went on to sing with the Metropolitan Opera. She came back my senior year and visited with Mr. Sloan. She spoke to our class and told us he was the reason she had gone the direction she did and had achieved what she had.
He is the one, more than any other, who laid the foundation for all I know about music and my ability to appreciate it. Music, especially vocal music, is one of the great loves of my life. I have Gilbert Sloan to thank for that.
2 - Dorothy Cozzens. My vocal teacher. Mr. Sloan recommended to me one day after class that I look into getting a personal vocal coach. He thought I had a voice that had promise and since he only worked in a classroom setting, there was only so much he could do for individual voice development. When I reported back to Mr. Sloan who I was seeing, he smiled -- big. He knew Mrs. Cozzens from the San Diego Civic Opera.
She was a wacky -- and I do mean loony -- woman. Every week she would work with my voice one on one. Her music room was filled with three pianos, an organ and I don't know how many cats. I sang while biting down on a pencil to learn proper mouth and throat placement for high notes. I sang raising my eyebrows to avoid going flat. I sang leaning forward with her fist placed in my gut to concentrate more on diaphragm breathing. I sang with one of her hands around my neck and the other pressed under my chin to control my naturally too-large vibrato. We sang Broadway musical numbers, arias, folk songs, hymns, and rock and pop songs. She taught me the craziest warm up exercises I had ever heard of. More than that, she taught me to not be afraid to perform. Oh, she was fun... and a real confidence builder. As far as she was concerned, there wasn't anything I couldn't do.
3 - beautiful music. It soothes. It inspires. It motivates. It moves. To listen to beautiful music is one of the greatest enjoyments of my life. I am so thankful for music.
He had such a reputation for having well-trained and accomplished choirs and chorales that different civic, private and corporate groups from all over Southern California would call him to book us as their entertainment for their different parties, get-togethers and programs. Each year the month of December was sheer madness for us. We would do Christmas concerts all over SoCal, sometimes three or four in one week, traveling from San Diego to Downey to Riverside to Del Mar. I loved it.
He himself had studied at the New York Conservatory of Music. He sang with the San Diego Civic Opera. He could have done a lot of other things that likely would have paid a lot more, but he chose to teach vocal music to high school students. He taught us what was possible with music. One of his students, who graduated two years before I got to high school, went on to sing with the Metropolitan Opera. She came back my senior year and visited with Mr. Sloan. She spoke to our class and told us he was the reason she had gone the direction she did and had achieved what she had.
He is the one, more than any other, who laid the foundation for all I know about music and my ability to appreciate it. Music, especially vocal music, is one of the great loves of my life. I have Gilbert Sloan to thank for that.
2 - Dorothy Cozzens. My vocal teacher. Mr. Sloan recommended to me one day after class that I look into getting a personal vocal coach. He thought I had a voice that had promise and since he only worked in a classroom setting, there was only so much he could do for individual voice development. When I reported back to Mr. Sloan who I was seeing, he smiled -- big. He knew Mrs. Cozzens from the San Diego Civic Opera.
She was a wacky -- and I do mean loony -- woman. Every week she would work with my voice one on one. Her music room was filled with three pianos, an organ and I don't know how many cats. I sang while biting down on a pencil to learn proper mouth and throat placement for high notes. I sang raising my eyebrows to avoid going flat. I sang leaning forward with her fist placed in my gut to concentrate more on diaphragm breathing. I sang with one of her hands around my neck and the other pressed under my chin to control my naturally too-large vibrato. We sang Broadway musical numbers, arias, folk songs, hymns, and rock and pop songs. She taught me the craziest warm up exercises I had ever heard of. More than that, she taught me to not be afraid to perform. Oh, she was fun... and a real confidence builder. As far as she was concerned, there wasn't anything I couldn't do.
3 - beautiful music. It soothes. It inspires. It motivates. It moves. To listen to beautiful music is one of the greatest enjoyments of my life. I am so thankful for music.
Monday, November 23, 2009
... Of The Day
Cookie of the Day: Gingersnaps
Word of the Day: Cantankerous
Website of the Day: http://www.mormontabernaclechoir.org/
Color of the Day: Charcoal Gray
Activity of the Day: Mothering
Memory of the Day: Wedding Day(s)
Quote of the Day: "Sometimes you're the windshield; sometimes you're the bug."
Song of the Day: Simple Gifts - Traditional Shaker Hymn
Rule of the Day: Rule #7 - Put it back where you found it.
Scripture of the Day: And now, my beloved brethren, I would that ye should come unto Christ, who is the Holy One of Israel, and partake of his salvation, and the power of his redemption. Yea, come unto him, and offer your whole souls as an offering unto him, and continue in fasting and praying, and endure to the end; and as the Lord liveth ye will be saved. (Omni 1:26)
Word of the Day: Cantankerous
Website of the Day: http://www.mormontabernaclechoir.org/
Color of the Day: Charcoal Gray
Activity of the Day: Mothering
Memory of the Day: Wedding Day(s)
Quote of the Day: "Sometimes you're the windshield; sometimes you're the bug."
Song of the Day: Simple Gifts - Traditional Shaker Hymn
Rule of the Day: Rule #7 - Put it back where you found it.
Scripture of the Day: And now, my beloved brethren, I would that ye should come unto Christ, who is the Holy One of Israel, and partake of his salvation, and the power of his redemption. Yea, come unto him, and offer your whole souls as an offering unto him, and continue in fasting and praying, and endure to the end; and as the Lord liveth ye will be saved. (Omni 1:26)
Gratitude - Day 21
1 - washers and dryers. Mounds of dirty clothes get cleaned and dried -- all while I do other things.
2 - dishwashers. Such time savers.
3 - Wal-Mart. Yeah, I know. Non-union. Puts mom-and-pop shops out of business. But, when you crack your toilet seat, need a tarp to cover the boat for the winter, find out you're missing ingredients from your pantry, start feeling flu-like symptoms and your medicine cabinet is unprepared, need to get goofy slippers for Christmas, and Paul McCartney releases a new CD... one-stop shopping is a godsend. Especially in this weather. Besides... counting mullets is a favorite pasttime of ours, and what better place to do it than the Payson Wal-Mart?
2 - dishwashers. Such time savers.
3 - Wal-Mart. Yeah, I know. Non-union. Puts mom-and-pop shops out of business. But, when you crack your toilet seat, need a tarp to cover the boat for the winter, find out you're missing ingredients from your pantry, start feeling flu-like symptoms and your medicine cabinet is unprepared, need to get goofy slippers for Christmas, and Paul McCartney releases a new CD... one-stop shopping is a godsend. Especially in this weather. Besides... counting mullets is a favorite pasttime of ours, and what better place to do it than the Payson Wal-Mart?
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Gratitude - Day 20
1 - good friends and what they add to my life.
2 - the internet and the fact that information, communication and personal expression is at my fingertips.
3 - Sundays.
2 - the internet and the fact that information, communication and personal expression is at my fingertips.
3 - Sundays.
Saturday, November 21, 2009
If I Can't See You...
...that means you can't see me!
This is what I'm gonna do if you can't see me...
OH! You were looking? Okay, here... one for you:
Gratitude - Day 19
1 - grownup children that make the effort to share their children with us. B&J brought Mae over on Halloween. A knock on the door and there was the cutest trick or treater of the whole night. She was all dressed up as Minnie Mouse. The Ridge is a ways from where they live. They didn't have to do it. But they did. R&R are expecting their first. We get to hear about doctor visits, birthing plans and choices for names. It's quite exciting to think about another one coming along.
2 - grownup children that share their time with us. One is in Europe for 20 days. But he posts pics and sends messages to my Facebook so we can see what he's seeing. He thinks of the Captain as he sight-sees around England (the Captain's old stomping grounds from when he was 19) and takes pictures of places he thinks the Cap'n might want to see. Another son has time to kill in the afternoon before BBall practice and simply "shows up" for a bit. Then comes again later that night and watches BBall on TV with his dad. The Princess is due here on Sunday with 'a boy' for dinner. That'll be interesting.
3 - a big, deep jacuzzi tub in the master bathroom. Warm scented water, a good book and an hour to soak, uninterrupted by phone, family, or friends.
2 - grownup children that share their time with us. One is in Europe for 20 days. But he posts pics and sends messages to my Facebook so we can see what he's seeing. He thinks of the Captain as he sight-sees around England (the Captain's old stomping grounds from when he was 19) and takes pictures of places he thinks the Cap'n might want to see. Another son has time to kill in the afternoon before BBall practice and simply "shows up" for a bit. Then comes again later that night and watches BBall on TV with his dad. The Princess is due here on Sunday with 'a boy' for dinner. That'll be interesting.
3 - a big, deep jacuzzi tub in the master bathroom. Warm scented water, a good book and an hour to soak, uninterrupted by phone, family, or friends.
Friday, November 20, 2009
Gratitude - Day 18
1 - possibilities. They energize. They keep me looking forward. They encourage a positive outlook on life. It is irrelevant that not every possibility becomes reality.
2 - braised short ribs. They were simply divine for dinner last night.
3 - teenagers. My own and others that I know. Yeah, sometimes they're a lot of work. But they are so much fun to be around. I'd rather be with a group of teenagers than a classroom of third graders any day of the week.
2 - braised short ribs. They were simply divine for dinner last night.
3 - teenagers. My own and others that I know. Yeah, sometimes they're a lot of work. But they are so much fun to be around. I'd rather be with a group of teenagers than a classroom of third graders any day of the week.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Gratitude - Day 17
1 - food blogs. I'm addicted. What can I say?
2 - phone conversations with my daughter.
By my way of thinking, every woman should have a daughter. (Of course, there are some women that are just plain greedy and have LOTS of them.) I have been known to spend hours on the phone with my daughter since she moved out. It's the closest I can get to the old days of spending hours with her sitting on the edge of my bed when she lived at home.
3 - extra-strength Tylenol and extra-strength Advil. (No, this has nothing to do with gratitude item number 2 today.) Some mornings, due to neck problems, I wake up with monstrous headaches. Those are the mornings I'm so very grateful for Tylenol and Advil.
2 - phone conversations with my daughter.
By my way of thinking, every woman should have a daughter. (Of course, there are some women that are just plain greedy and have LOTS of them.) I have been known to spend hours on the phone with my daughter since she moved out. It's the closest I can get to the old days of spending hours with her sitting on the edge of my bed when she lived at home.
3 - extra-strength Tylenol and extra-strength Advil. (No, this has nothing to do with gratitude item number 2 today.) Some mornings, due to neck problems, I wake up with monstrous headaches. Those are the mornings I'm so very grateful for Tylenol and Advil.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Gratitude - Day 16
1 - knowing the answer to the question "Where did we come from?"
2 - knowing the answer to the question "Why are we here?"
3 - knowing the answer to the question "Where will we go after this life?"
Simple and basic answers. Then, things happen in life and when they do, we suddenly find the anchors and the depth of life in the answers to those questions. They're no longer Primary or Sunday School surface answers. They are the great doctrines of the kingdom.
We breeze through our answer to "where did we come from" until the day a child (or a grandchild) is born into our family. And then the holy reality of where that child was becomes tangible, truly real, and you feel it as knowledge instead of faith. It happened for me with the birth of each of my children. The other day, the Captain and I were talking about his feelings when Rob was born. It happened for him with the birth of each of his children. It happened again for us when Mae was born. As parents, we had the added dimension of gratitude knowing it had now happened for Brett and Juliann. Now Rachael and Rob await their first baby. The Captain and I, we know what's coming to them. That tangible sense of holiness. We are as grateful to God for the experience with holiness that awaits Rachael and Rob as we are for the new grandchild on the way.
The strength that comes from the answer to "why are we here" blesses our lives when life gets difficult. When it's no longer 'fun,' but becomes challenging. Those moments when we feel it would be easier to let go and give ourselves over to the struggle -- that is when 'the purpose of life' encourages and buoys up. Knowing the 'why' takes on new meaning as we use that knowledge to navigate our choices, to both plan and then use the roadmap we each create for our life. "Starting with the end in mind" is more than a catchphrase. Knowing "why we are here" is what gives meaning to our agency... our power of choice. When we know, really know, why we are here, our choices, our decisions, our actions, our interactions, our relationships, and our legacy all have more meaning... and therefore more potential for happiness. "Man is that he might have joy."
"Where will we go after this life?" Knowing the answer to this question gives us the perspective to see the threat of death for what it is... and for what it is not. When we know the answer to this question, the fear of death exists only on this side of the veil. I have been without my dad now for 6 1/2 years. Have I missed him? Absolutely. Do I know where he is? Absolutely. He has gone back to that realm of holiness that I know exists because my children and grandchildren brought evidence of it into my home when they were born. And when I go to where he is, he will still be my dad and I will still be his daughter. There is nothing that another's death takes from us that our own death doesn't give back to us. Everything in its proper time and in God's hands.
2 - knowing the answer to the question "Why are we here?"
3 - knowing the answer to the question "Where will we go after this life?"
Simple and basic answers. Then, things happen in life and when they do, we suddenly find the anchors and the depth of life in the answers to those questions. They're no longer Primary or Sunday School surface answers. They are the great doctrines of the kingdom.
We breeze through our answer to "where did we come from" until the day a child (or a grandchild) is born into our family. And then the holy reality of where that child was becomes tangible, truly real, and you feel it as knowledge instead of faith. It happened for me with the birth of each of my children. The other day, the Captain and I were talking about his feelings when Rob was born. It happened for him with the birth of each of his children. It happened again for us when Mae was born. As parents, we had the added dimension of gratitude knowing it had now happened for Brett and Juliann. Now Rachael and Rob await their first baby. The Captain and I, we know what's coming to them. That tangible sense of holiness. We are as grateful to God for the experience with holiness that awaits Rachael and Rob as we are for the new grandchild on the way.
The strength that comes from the answer to "why are we here" blesses our lives when life gets difficult. When it's no longer 'fun,' but becomes challenging. Those moments when we feel it would be easier to let go and give ourselves over to the struggle -- that is when 'the purpose of life' encourages and buoys up. Knowing the 'why' takes on new meaning as we use that knowledge to navigate our choices, to both plan and then use the roadmap we each create for our life. "Starting with the end in mind" is more than a catchphrase. Knowing "why we are here" is what gives meaning to our agency... our power of choice. When we know, really know, why we are here, our choices, our decisions, our actions, our interactions, our relationships, and our legacy all have more meaning... and therefore more potential for happiness. "Man is that he might have joy."
"Where will we go after this life?" Knowing the answer to this question gives us the perspective to see the threat of death for what it is... and for what it is not. When we know the answer to this question, the fear of death exists only on this side of the veil. I have been without my dad now for 6 1/2 years. Have I missed him? Absolutely. Do I know where he is? Absolutely. He has gone back to that realm of holiness that I know exists because my children and grandchildren brought evidence of it into my home when they were born. And when I go to where he is, he will still be my dad and I will still be his daughter. There is nothing that another's death takes from us that our own death doesn't give back to us. Everything in its proper time and in God's hands.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Gratitude - Day 15
1 - going to San Diego for Christmas this year. Can't wait! Can't wait!
2 - owning two crockpots - large and extra large.
3 - second chances.
2 - owning two crockpots - large and extra large.
3 - second chances.
Monday, November 16, 2009
Gratitude - Day 14
1 - the communal strength of women. Their ability to empathize with shared experiences. Their capacity to transmit support and well-wishes for whatever effort you are making... even if it doesn't turn out as well as you'd have liked. Their earnest desire to do better and be better. The infectious influence of either their life-long experience or youthful optimistic energy.
2 - Tulips in the spring, watermelon in the summer, oak and maple leaves in the fall and hot cocoa in the winter.
3 - A car engine that turns over and stays running on the first turn of the key.
2 - Tulips in the spring, watermelon in the summer, oak and maple leaves in the fall and hot cocoa in the winter.
3 - A car engine that turns over and stays running on the first turn of the key.
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Gratitude - Day 13
1 - Central air conditioning in the summer. In the context of the world, not many people have that.
2 - Central heating in the winter. See above.
3 - Running water, indoor plumbing and electricity. See above again.
2 - Central heating in the winter. See above.
3 - Running water, indoor plumbing and electricity. See above again.
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Little Girls and Their Grandpas
"Grandpa, you're making me laugh!"
"Hey! You got books! Wanna read?"
"Here's one for you, Grandpa."
"Can I have this?"
"Whaddya mean 'no' ???"
"Fine, I'll just ask my grandpa."
"He says I can have anything I want. "
"Is that for me?"
"Grandpa gave me a cookie."
Gratitude - Day 12
1 - Scott Bronson. My old friend. He introduced me to theater when I was 14. He's the big brother of two of my bestest friends. He married well and, as a result, I ended up with another good woman as a friend.
2 - Scot Hymas. My old business "partner." My good, good friend. Such a great experience to contribute to growing a company with him. First time I ever experienced "synergy" was working with him. Happy to get out of bed and be at the office at 6:00am to 'imagine,' 'build,' and 'create.' Good times. Good times.
He lives by faith. I admire that. Now he and his wife are on a mission in the West Indies. I'm glad to hear about how they are doing now and then. What a dream come true.
3 - Butterscotch pudding. 'Nuf said.
2 - Scot Hymas. My old business "partner." My good, good friend. Such a great experience to contribute to growing a company with him. First time I ever experienced "synergy" was working with him. Happy to get out of bed and be at the office at 6:00am to 'imagine,' 'build,' and 'create.' Good times. Good times.
He lives by faith. I admire that. Now he and his wife are on a mission in the West Indies. I'm glad to hear about how they are doing now and then. What a dream come true.
3 - Butterscotch pudding. 'Nuf said.
Friday, November 13, 2009
... Of the Day
Cookie of the Day: Oatmeal Yuks
Word of the Day: Embolden
Website of the Day: http://maggiehendrix.wordpress.com/2009/11/10/birth-photos/
Color of the Day: Snowy White
Activity of the Day: Cleaning House
Memory of the Day: The birth of Catherine Rose.
You see, I wasn't a very good granddaughter to my Grandma Rose Hansen. She was stoic and stern. I was uncomfortable at her house sometimes. So I didn't spend as much time there as I did with the fun "Wright" side of the family -- my mom's side of the family. After my Grandma Hansen died, I was at her house helping to sort things. I found a painting my sister had done hanging on Grandma's fridge (a panda bear). I saw framed pictures of my sister, of my brother, and of me throughout the house. And no other children anywhere.
It wasn't until then that I realized, really realized, that we three were the only grandchildren she had. It was then I realized that people who don't necessarily gush with "I love you's" or fill you with cookies and treats or sweep you up into great big hugs... may very well love you quite a bit after all. And I was sorry, deeply sorry, to have not spent more time with her. I was afraid maybe she had felt "second-fiddle" to the fun family on the other side.
I was eighteen. I sang back then. A lot. My uncle Frank (dad's only living brother) asked me to sing at her funeral. I turned him down. Not because I didn't want to sing, but because this newly-discovered sense of love for my grandma and disappointment in myself had deeply affected me. I was afraid I would not be able to sing. I was afraid I would cry during the song... sob actually... and not be able to complete it.
I spent the next few months thinking a lot about my dad's side of the family. The grandpa I'd never known (because he died a couple years before I was born), the grandma who had been a widow for over 20 years and to whom I had only made cursory visits, my dad's two older brothers: Uncle Bob who had died long ago while in college and before he got married, and my Uncle Frank and his wife - my Aunt Kate.
Frank and Kate had dogs. Weimaraners. Fritz and Duke. But they had not been able to have children. My uncle restored old cars and drank beer and wine. He had nudie calendars in his garage. My aunt was a saucy dame. Tough as nails, wore cowboy boots, cussed out politicians and complained about property taxes in Utah. But Frank also shoveled the walk of every widow in his neighborhood after every snowstorm, and he raked the leaves from their yards every autumn. Kate saved any stray dog or cat that she found hungry or cold on the street. Her full name was Catherine, but she went by Kate. It suited her. I loved her. She was "a character" and I love characters.
I decided sometime in my nineteenth year, that if I ever had a daughter, I would name her Catherine Rose and call her Katie. I believe that families continue on from the other side and I wanted a way to tell my Grandma Hansen that I loved her and that I was sorry for not showing it sooner. I also wanted to convey to my Aunt Kate how much I loved her... and liked her. In a sense, I guess I was trying to honor both of them. In Kate's case, I wanted to do it before she passed away.
When my first baby ended up with the kind of anatomy that negated the possibility of being called "Katie," I was a little discouraged that my plan had to continue to be postponed. I'd never really considered the possibility of not ever having a girl I could name Catherine Rose. At that point, I'd been waiting eight years to do right by my grandma. And now I would have to wait even longer.
But not that long. Fourteen months later, Katie Rose showed up. Eight pounds and two ounces. One week early. Ultrasounds had been inconclusive (she was a modest little thing and kept scooting away from the camera). We didn't know if she was a boy or a girl. When Dr. Glenn, my miracle worker obstetrician, announced she was a girl, I can't express the sense of relief. He asked if we already had a name picked out. (Silly man, uh, yeah, for about nine years now!) Catherine Rose.
Quote of the Day:
If you are ever going to love me,
Love me now, while I can know
The sweet and tender feelings
Which from true affection flow.
Love me now
While I am living.
Do not wait until I’m gone
And then have it chiseled in marble,
Sweet words on ice-cold stone.
If you have tender thoughts of me,
Please tell me now.
If you wait until I’m sleeping,
There will be death between us,
And I won’t hear you then.
So if you love me, even a little bit,
Let me know while I’m still living
So I can treasure it.
Song of the Day: Once There Was a Snowman - Primary
Rule of the Day: Rule #34 - Make your bed every morning.
Scripture of the Day: Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. (Matthew 5: 7)
Word of the Day: Embolden
Website of the Day: http://maggiehendrix.wordpress.com/2009/11/10/birth-photos/
Color of the Day: Snowy White
Activity of the Day: Cleaning House
Memory of the Day: The birth of Catherine Rose.
You see, I wasn't a very good granddaughter to my Grandma Rose Hansen. She was stoic and stern. I was uncomfortable at her house sometimes. So I didn't spend as much time there as I did with the fun "Wright" side of the family -- my mom's side of the family. After my Grandma Hansen died, I was at her house helping to sort things. I found a painting my sister had done hanging on Grandma's fridge (a panda bear). I saw framed pictures of my sister, of my brother, and of me throughout the house. And no other children anywhere.
It wasn't until then that I realized, really realized, that we three were the only grandchildren she had. It was then I realized that people who don't necessarily gush with "I love you's" or fill you with cookies and treats or sweep you up into great big hugs... may very well love you quite a bit after all. And I was sorry, deeply sorry, to have not spent more time with her. I was afraid maybe she had felt "second-fiddle" to the fun family on the other side.
I was eighteen. I sang back then. A lot. My uncle Frank (dad's only living brother) asked me to sing at her funeral. I turned him down. Not because I didn't want to sing, but because this newly-discovered sense of love for my grandma and disappointment in myself had deeply affected me. I was afraid I would not be able to sing. I was afraid I would cry during the song... sob actually... and not be able to complete it.
I spent the next few months thinking a lot about my dad's side of the family. The grandpa I'd never known (because he died a couple years before I was born), the grandma who had been a widow for over 20 years and to whom I had only made cursory visits, my dad's two older brothers: Uncle Bob who had died long ago while in college and before he got married, and my Uncle Frank and his wife - my Aunt Kate.
Frank and Kate had dogs. Weimaraners. Fritz and Duke. But they had not been able to have children. My uncle restored old cars and drank beer and wine. He had nudie calendars in his garage. My aunt was a saucy dame. Tough as nails, wore cowboy boots, cussed out politicians and complained about property taxes in Utah. But Frank also shoveled the walk of every widow in his neighborhood after every snowstorm, and he raked the leaves from their yards every autumn. Kate saved any stray dog or cat that she found hungry or cold on the street. Her full name was Catherine, but she went by Kate. It suited her. I loved her. She was "a character" and I love characters.
I decided sometime in my nineteenth year, that if I ever had a daughter, I would name her Catherine Rose and call her Katie. I believe that families continue on from the other side and I wanted a way to tell my Grandma Hansen that I loved her and that I was sorry for not showing it sooner. I also wanted to convey to my Aunt Kate how much I loved her... and liked her. In a sense, I guess I was trying to honor both of them. In Kate's case, I wanted to do it before she passed away.
When my first baby ended up with the kind of anatomy that negated the possibility of being called "Katie," I was a little discouraged that my plan had to continue to be postponed. I'd never really considered the possibility of not ever having a girl I could name Catherine Rose. At that point, I'd been waiting eight years to do right by my grandma. And now I would have to wait even longer.
But not that long. Fourteen months later, Katie Rose showed up. Eight pounds and two ounces. One week early. Ultrasounds had been inconclusive (she was a modest little thing and kept scooting away from the camera). We didn't know if she was a boy or a girl. When Dr. Glenn, my miracle worker obstetrician, announced she was a girl, I can't express the sense of relief. He asked if we already had a name picked out. (Silly man, uh, yeah, for about nine years now!) Catherine Rose.
Quote of the Day:
If you are ever going to love me,
Love me now, while I can know
The sweet and tender feelings
Which from true affection flow.
Love me now
While I am living.
Do not wait until I’m gone
And then have it chiseled in marble,
Sweet words on ice-cold stone.
If you have tender thoughts of me,
Please tell me now.
If you wait until I’m sleeping,
There will be death between us,
And I won’t hear you then.
So if you love me, even a little bit,
Let me know while I’m still living
So I can treasure it.
Song of the Day: Once There Was a Snowman - Primary
Rule of the Day: Rule #34 - Make your bed every morning.
Scripture of the Day: Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. (Matthew 5: 7)
Gratitude - Day 11
1 - My fun red cellphone.
2 - Underdog. (He's our Hyundai Sonata.) The CD player makes all the difference.
3 - My digital camera. Love, love, love it!
2 - Underdog. (He's our Hyundai Sonata.) The CD player makes all the difference.
3 - My digital camera. Love, love, love it!
Thursday, November 12, 2009
The Winds of Change
You know that beautiful yellow-leafed tree in my neighbor's yard? It's close to bare nekked now. We had one hellacious windstorm come through during the night. Now, rather than have a yellow tree, he's got what looks like yellow carpeting all over his front lawn.
Looking out my upstairs window, I see that almost all the trees in my neighborhood are now leaf-less. Looks like that wind escorted autumn out and brought in the winter landscape. There's snow on the top of the mountain. The skies are gray and cloudy. I'm thinking there might be white stuff coming to the yards and driveways sooner than I'd like.
I've always liked windstorms (not tornadoes, of course, but simple windstorms). I like the whistle that comes through the seams in the windows. The movement of the trees and the grasses. I even like watching the papers dance around as they get blown down the street.
You know, Ether talks about winds. Powerful winds that send a family plunging into and under deep waters for a time. The family ends up a bit disoriented by them now and again... and probably more than a little nervous. But, the winds have a purpose and the family on the sea is fully equipped to withstand what the wind causes in the elements that surround them. They have deep waters to cross. A new place to arrive at... one they neither were aware of nor could envision earlier in their lives. But Someone knew where He wanted to take them. A place prepared specifically for them. It's the wind that gets them there. And, once I read the text close enough to understand Who sent and caused the wind, my attitude about a lot of things changed.
Looking out my upstairs window, I see that almost all the trees in my neighborhood are now leaf-less. Looks like that wind escorted autumn out and brought in the winter landscape. There's snow on the top of the mountain. The skies are gray and cloudy. I'm thinking there might be white stuff coming to the yards and driveways sooner than I'd like.
I've always liked windstorms (not tornadoes, of course, but simple windstorms). I like the whistle that comes through the seams in the windows. The movement of the trees and the grasses. I even like watching the papers dance around as they get blown down the street.
You know, Ether talks about winds. Powerful winds that send a family plunging into and under deep waters for a time. The family ends up a bit disoriented by them now and again... and probably more than a little nervous. But, the winds have a purpose and the family on the sea is fully equipped to withstand what the wind causes in the elements that surround them. They have deep waters to cross. A new place to arrive at... one they neither were aware of nor could envision earlier in their lives. But Someone knew where He wanted to take them. A place prepared specifically for them. It's the wind that gets them there. And, once I read the text close enough to understand Who sent and caused the wind, my attitude about a lot of things changed.
Gratitude - Day 10
1 - Sight. The fall colors would be hard to describe if I hadn't seen them. My children's emotions would be harder to gauge if I couldn't look at their faces. My mouth wouldn't water if I couldn't look at that phenomenal chocolate cake I'm about to inhale in one sitting. My favorite place is Sundance. I can't imagine not knowing what it looks like. Or the vastness of the ocean. Most of our memories are tied to sight, I think. I'm grateful I can see.
2 - The quiet darkness before I go to sleep. I know my room is intact. The furniture is still in position. I just can't see it all, and at the end of the day, well, I like that. The day closes down. The lights go out. I'm left with the sounds the night time makes. The wind that sneaks in through our too-thin windows. The Captain's breathing. His breathing changes when he's falling asleep. It becomes rhythmic. It's actually a comforting sound to me. It helps me to know he's shot on over to deep sleep. Well, that and he twitches a bit. Haven't quite figured that one out yet, but he does. Maybe it's his muscles finally relaxing after being tense or itchy all day.
3 - Five dollar foot-long sandwiches at Subway.
2 - The quiet darkness before I go to sleep. I know my room is intact. The furniture is still in position. I just can't see it all, and at the end of the day, well, I like that. The day closes down. The lights go out. I'm left with the sounds the night time makes. The wind that sneaks in through our too-thin windows. The Captain's breathing. His breathing changes when he's falling asleep. It becomes rhythmic. It's actually a comforting sound to me. It helps me to know he's shot on over to deep sleep. Well, that and he twitches a bit. Haven't quite figured that one out yet, but he does. Maybe it's his muscles finally relaxing after being tense or itchy all day.
3 - Five dollar foot-long sandwiches at Subway.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Gratitude - Day 9
1 - Pualani Graham. So... a long time ago I watched her lead the music in church. I thought to myself, "Get to know her. You need to." (Weird thing to think, but, there you are.) So, I walked up to her and said, "Pualani, I would like you to be my friend." So, since then we've gone to lunch, talked a lot, gone to the temple together, talked some more. I even attempted to be a good friend and sing in the ward choir that she directs. But, hey, I can only do so much, y'know? No really, my voice is weak and ugly now so I do her the favor of NOT singing in the choir anymore.
Okay, so about six weeks ago, she calls me up and asks me if I'd like to volunteer as a Spanish investigator at the MTC every Tuesday. The missionaries learning Spanish practice teaching me. Can I say...???... I am happy as a pig in mud to be back at the MTC. To sit with the missionaries and watch them earnestly struggle to express themselves and be understood in a foreign language (*my* foreign language).
It brings back so many memories of when I taught there after my mission. Plus, hey, I get to speak in Spanish for two hours every week. BLISS. CONTENTMENT. JOY.
2 - Knowing Spanish. Speaking Spanish. Reading Spanish. Loving Spanish. Argentine Spanish. Yep, the best kind. It's a beautiful, poetic language. I love it, love it, love it. I have missed it. (The downside of divorcing the Argentine ex-husband was not getting to speak Spanish everyday anymore.) The Church has just published a Spanish version of the Bible (complete with LDS footnotes). I picked up a copy of it last week at Deseret Book. This week I've started doing my scripture study in Spanish. BLISS. CONTENTMENT. JOY.
3 - My friend, Renae. Today is the 13th anniversary of her death from brain cancer. She was 28 when she was diagnosed and 31 when she passed away. She was funny, quirky, genuine, had a lovely alto voice and an infectious laugh. I have such great memories of times spent in San Diego with her and the rest of 'the gang.' She is the closest thing to a little sister I ever had. I think of her often as I look at the Facebook pages of her now-grown children. They were so small when they lost her. I can't believe how long it's been. I miss ya, 'Nae.
Okay, so about six weeks ago, she calls me up and asks me if I'd like to volunteer as a Spanish investigator at the MTC every Tuesday. The missionaries learning Spanish practice teaching me. Can I say...???... I am happy as a pig in mud to be back at the MTC. To sit with the missionaries and watch them earnestly struggle to express themselves and be understood in a foreign language (*my* foreign language).
It brings back so many memories of when I taught there after my mission. Plus, hey, I get to speak in Spanish for two hours every week. BLISS. CONTENTMENT. JOY.
2 - Knowing Spanish. Speaking Spanish. Reading Spanish. Loving Spanish. Argentine Spanish. Yep, the best kind. It's a beautiful, poetic language. I love it, love it, love it. I have missed it. (The downside of divorcing the Argentine ex-husband was not getting to speak Spanish everyday anymore.) The Church has just published a Spanish version of the Bible (complete with LDS footnotes). I picked up a copy of it last week at Deseret Book. This week I've started doing my scripture study in Spanish. BLISS. CONTENTMENT. JOY.
3 - My friend, Renae. Today is the 13th anniversary of her death from brain cancer. She was 28 when she was diagnosed and 31 when she passed away. She was funny, quirky, genuine, had a lovely alto voice and an infectious laugh. I have such great memories of times spent in San Diego with her and the rest of 'the gang.' She is the closest thing to a little sister I ever had. I think of her often as I look at the Facebook pages of her now-grown children. They were so small when they lost her. I can't believe how long it's been. I miss ya, 'Nae.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Gratitude - Day 8
1 - living in a place with four seasons.
2 - my neighbor across the street's tree. Big burst of autumn yellow leaves. Wow! So beautiful to look at
3 - canteloupe, honeydew and watermelon. Yum.
2 - my neighbor across the street's tree. Big burst of autumn yellow leaves. Wow! So beautiful to look at
3 - canteloupe, honeydew and watermelon. Yum.
Monday, November 9, 2009
Gratitude - Day 7
1 - emails from New Zealand. They make my week. Tho' Josh is a man of few words, those few words help me feel like I have a glimpse into what he's experiencing while he's there.
2 - phone calls from Miami. Lots of words. Jon's energy is infectious.
3 - Sunday mornings at 9:30. Music and the Spoken Word. It just seems to start each Sunday off right. And this Sunday the organist did a John Phillips Sousa march. Made me remember my dad. He loved John Phillips Sousa marches.
2 - phone calls from Miami. Lots of words. Jon's energy is infectious.
3 - Sunday mornings at 9:30. Music and the Spoken Word. It just seems to start each Sunday off right. And this Sunday the organist did a John Phillips Sousa march. Made me remember my dad. He loved John Phillips Sousa marches.
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Gratitude - Day 6
1 - hot cocoa mixes in all their varieties
2 - reading glasses that change fuzzy to focused
3 - Vince Flynn novels -- Brain candy to be sure, but very fun to read
2 - reading glasses that change fuzzy to focused
3 - Vince Flynn novels -- Brain candy to be sure, but very fun to read
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Gratitude - Day 5
2 - time. Grateful that sometimes it passes quickly. Grateful that other times it moves slowly enough to be thorough.
3 - quilts. Love them. Simply love them. Love the idea of them, the look of them, the warmth of them, the symbolism of them. Truth be told, quilts remind me of my mom. That's why I love them.
Friday, November 6, 2009
Gratitude - Day 4
1 - my mother and father. Who taught me well and patiently. Who provided for my needs in every aspect of human development. Who didn't preach, but simply lived the Gospel they espoused. They lived it during comfortable times in their lives. They lived it during difficult times in their lives.
2 - my sister. I didn't really have much need for a big sister growing up. I was actually the more outgoing and daring of the two of us for most of our childhood years. But, it was after I was a "grown-up" myself (whatever that means) that I began to need a big sister. She has been the constant voice proclaiming and describing who I have always been even in the times I have forgotten or begun to doubt my identity and characteristics. I hope to say this correctly so I don't conjure up an image of pleated skirts and pom poms. Here goes: She is my dignified cheerleader. All the encouragement without the superfluous fru-fru that makes it easy to dismiss the message.
3 - my brother. The kindest person I know and the cutest little boy there ever was. He looks for good. He focuses on good. When he visits with people, he concerns himself more with their comfort than his own... regardless of the fact that his distress is actually greater. He has not let circumstances define him or dismiss him. He has a genuine ability to accept people for who they are. It isn't something he feels he "should" do. It comes naturally to him. And... of the three siblings, (I think my sister would agree), he is the nicest. By far.
2 - my sister. I didn't really have much need for a big sister growing up. I was actually the more outgoing and daring of the two of us for most of our childhood years. But, it was after I was a "grown-up" myself (whatever that means) that I began to need a big sister. She has been the constant voice proclaiming and describing who I have always been even in the times I have forgotten or begun to doubt my identity and characteristics. I hope to say this correctly so I don't conjure up an image of pleated skirts and pom poms. Here goes: She is my dignified cheerleader. All the encouragement without the superfluous fru-fru that makes it easy to dismiss the message.
3 - my brother. The kindest person I know and the cutest little boy there ever was. He looks for good. He focuses on good. When he visits with people, he concerns himself more with their comfort than his own... regardless of the fact that his distress is actually greater. He has not let circumstances define him or dismiss him. He has a genuine ability to accept people for who they are. It isn't something he feels he "should" do. It comes naturally to him. And... of the three siblings, (I think my sister would agree), he is the nicest. By far.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Gratitude - Day 3
1 - The Ridge. Been here since 2002, though I've had to move to three different houses to stay here. Worth the packing, every time.
2 - The Mo'Tab Christmas Concert every year. Sitting in the Conference Center, surrounded by the most beautiful Christmas sounds. Nothing like it in the world.
3 - Tulips. Someday I'll have a garden where I can go "all Holland" on y'all. Alas, if the deer in The Ridge were posting their three thankfuls, Karla's tasty tulips would likely be on their list as well.
2 - The Mo'Tab Christmas Concert every year. Sitting in the Conference Center, surrounded by the most beautiful Christmas sounds. Nothing like it in the world.
3 - Tulips. Someday I'll have a garden where I can go "all Holland" on y'all. Alas, if the deer in The Ridge were posting their three thankfuls, Karla's tasty tulips would likely be on their list as well.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Gratitude - Day 2
1 - Road trips. Anytime, anywhere.
2 - My friend Fig and how time never creates distance between us.
3 - The Captain's prayers.
2 - My friend Fig and how time never creates distance between us.
3 - The Captain's prayers.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Answers to Unspoken Pleadings
Transitions. They are difficult. At least for me. I'm comfortable in my comfort zone. (Funny, that.) I'm very confident about those things I know I am good at. Perhaps too confident. Perhaps bordering on prideful and therefore unteachable. However, those things I am unsure of, inexperienced or unskilled at... they cause me all sorts of angst and doubt.
I came home last night quite discouraged. Very much wishing for previous times and familiar routines. Times and routines that called on skill sets I had firmly developed and could do with little to no preparation.
I'm finding it hard to be "old" in a "young" environment.
So, as I drove home alone, I had quite the doubt and discouragement fest. And because I was basically complaining and pouting, I didn't give my comments any sort of characteristic of prayer. You see, 'complaining and pouting' has an addictive quality to it. It feeds on itself and soon you move beyond the initial situation that has you upset and begin to dredge up long-ago reconciled affronts and injustices and start a full frontal assault on those as well. (Well, maybe you don't, but I do.)
By the time the angry frustration had passed, and I was left with just the fear and discouragement that started it all, I had arrived back at The Ridge.
I can't pray when I'm angry. Anger is an emotion that leaves one neither open nor vulnerable. I get the sense God can't do much with anger but sit and wait for our temper tantrum to pass. But fear, discouragement.. now there's a couple of exposing emotions. The Lord can do a lot when we get honest enough with ourselves to look there. In fact, He's already answered our pleadings for help with things we are afraid of.
Think about it: "...if ye are prepared, ye shall not fear. (D&C 38)" Or, "fear not, little flock. Do good. (D&C 6)"
So I come rolling into The Ridge last night, discouraged and deflated. I haven't voiced the "I could use a little help here" thoughts I've been having. But, as I end my day, I go on Facebook to see what I missed. There's a message in my Inbox. It's from my son. It's a link to this. He liked it and wanted to share it with me. That's the surface explanation. But I choose to see it differently. I choose to see it as an answer to an unspoken pleading.
Then this morning, I wake up and check out HenPecks (hoping she's out of her own blue funk and has written something again). And she's posted this. Yet another answer to my unspoken pleadings of yesterday.
A few years ago, my family went through a very difficult time. It was such a disorienting type of trial that I really didn't know what to ask the Lord for in my prayers. So, I simply asked Him to help me get to the end of each day. And, I asked that I would be able to see Him somewhere, in something, each day... so I wouldn't feel so alone and afraid in this big ugly thing. He answered both of those prayers.
While I try to transition now, I've decided it's time to remember what I've already learned. 1) To look for Him in every day. Somewhere, He will be there. 2) No matter the day we've had, each day ends and in the morning, a new one begins.
HenPeck's idea is the perfect way to start. November is a giving thanks month. So, everyday, I will list three things for which I am grateful. I will recognize and acknowledge three blessings in my life everyday. I encourage you to do the same. If you don't blog, use a journal. I suggest you either use the one you already write in or create your own Gratitude Journal.
Here's my three for today:
1) answers to unspoken pleadings
2) healthy children
3) my Shell gas card
I came home last night quite discouraged. Very much wishing for previous times and familiar routines. Times and routines that called on skill sets I had firmly developed and could do with little to no preparation.
I'm finding it hard to be "old" in a "young" environment.
So, as I drove home alone, I had quite the doubt and discouragement fest. And because I was basically complaining and pouting, I didn't give my comments any sort of characteristic of prayer. You see, 'complaining and pouting' has an addictive quality to it. It feeds on itself and soon you move beyond the initial situation that has you upset and begin to dredge up long-ago reconciled affronts and injustices and start a full frontal assault on those as well. (Well, maybe you don't, but I do.)
By the time the angry frustration had passed, and I was left with just the fear and discouragement that started it all, I had arrived back at The Ridge.
I can't pray when I'm angry. Anger is an emotion that leaves one neither open nor vulnerable. I get the sense God can't do much with anger but sit and wait for our temper tantrum to pass. But fear, discouragement.. now there's a couple of exposing emotions. The Lord can do a lot when we get honest enough with ourselves to look there. In fact, He's already answered our pleadings for help with things we are afraid of.
Think about it: "...if ye are prepared, ye shall not fear. (D&C 38)" Or, "fear not, little flock. Do good. (D&C 6)"
So I come rolling into The Ridge last night, discouraged and deflated. I haven't voiced the "I could use a little help here" thoughts I've been having. But, as I end my day, I go on Facebook to see what I missed. There's a message in my Inbox. It's from my son. It's a link to this. He liked it and wanted to share it with me. That's the surface explanation. But I choose to see it differently. I choose to see it as an answer to an unspoken pleading.
Then this morning, I wake up and check out HenPecks (hoping she's out of her own blue funk and has written something again). And she's posted this. Yet another answer to my unspoken pleadings of yesterday.
A few years ago, my family went through a very difficult time. It was such a disorienting type of trial that I really didn't know what to ask the Lord for in my prayers. So, I simply asked Him to help me get to the end of each day. And, I asked that I would be able to see Him somewhere, in something, each day... so I wouldn't feel so alone and afraid in this big ugly thing. He answered both of those prayers.
While I try to transition now, I've decided it's time to remember what I've already learned. 1) To look for Him in every day. Somewhere, He will be there. 2) No matter the day we've had, each day ends and in the morning, a new one begins.
HenPeck's idea is the perfect way to start. November is a giving thanks month. So, everyday, I will list three things for which I am grateful. I will recognize and acknowledge three blessings in my life everyday. I encourage you to do the same. If you don't blog, use a journal. I suggest you either use the one you already write in or create your own Gratitude Journal.
Here's my three for today:
1) answers to unspoken pleadings
2) healthy children
3) my Shell gas card
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